Ex-Prosecutor, Harvard Law Grad Attacks SFO Cops with Metal Pole

By Jason Beahm on
January 13, 2011 5:53 AM

We all have our breaking points. Apparently former Los Angeles deputy city attorney Angela West reached hers during a violent rampage at San Francisco International Airport. She found herself thrown into a psyche ward after going on a tirade that included the use of a dust pan and a 3-foot-long metal pole. (As this was on Christmas Eve, perhaps it was a Festivus pole?)

The Harvard Law School graduate allegedly used the metal pole to smash merchandise, milk and containers and other items, at a Peet's Coffee, said San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Angela West was admitted to the California State Bar in 1989, though she has been inactive since 1997. Judge Barbara Mallach is allowing West to represent herself in the case. West pleaded not guilty with a jury trial set for Jan. 25.

Judge Mallach also agreed with West's motion to lower her bail from $25,000 to $10,000. She is being charged with assault with a deadly weapon and battery on a police officer, four misdemeanor counts, Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

"When officers were able to get the woman under control, she shouted out that she was a lesbian and the officers should stop trying to have sex with her," Wagstaffe said. Her erratic behavior landed her a week in the Mills Peninsula Hospital's psychiatric ward.

Regardless of her mental stability, the Harvard Law grad is apparently still knowledgeable about the law. In court, she demanded a copy of the police report, and made objections when the prosecution requested time to prepare the report.